MTV

Ascending R&B star Rellz is making his rounds following the success of the inaugural Paramount Music Showcase, and the Long Island native is bringing nostalgic love songs to his listeners. Born Terrell Kiser, 28, the New York University Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music graduate has been preparing for his moment and learning from business icons.  

“My love for music began as a means to entertain people. My mother’s family is Haitian. Caribbean folks have a different way of turning up. They helped me navigate my musical gifts, but it was not until I got into NYU that I was actively around people in the industry,” the singer explained. 

Honoring his dancer mother, who studied ballet, jazz and hip-hop, Rellz followed in her footsteps by beginning dance lessons at the age of 12. And though he also took an interest in the trumpet during his formative years, singing Chris Brown songs to girls on a school bus transitioned his path toward educational achievements, which broke barriers in the Tri-state area. “My friends said, ‘Oh, my God! You sound great. You need to join the chorus,'” Rellz laughed. After auditioning for his school’s music teacher, Rellz set a course for advanced placements academically and a teenaged viral song cover that preceded an acceptance letter into his dream institution. 

As a freshman, the crooner won a collegiate competition covering Rihanna’s song “Diamonds” with his peers. This student experience reminded Rellz of his professor’s lectures on the power of collaboration and even led to him meeting Rihanna on her Diamonds World Tour. In time, that feat became a talking point during his introduction to his mentor — Roc Nation’s marketing director, Bianca Edwards. 

“I may not have seen it at the time, but each opportunity opened the door for the next. Some of my darkest moments in the city illuminated my brightest moments musically,” Rellz detailed. “Little by little, I found my way. That is the thing about being consistent on social media — you never know who is watching.”

A scouting director contacted him via Instagram DM concerning a forthcoming video shoot. Upon arriving at his first casting, Rellz did not know who he would be dancing for — until an undeniable voice came through speakers. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. The remake of The Lion King was in theaters, and The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack was making waves internationally alongside Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The woman at the helm of its creative vision was Beyoncé. And with this, Rellz’s life changed on set.

The Knockturnal caught up with Rellz to discuss life after his songwriting mentorship with Katie Vinten of Columbia Records, what he learned while recording Best Kept Secret, and how he hopes to bring people together through feel-good artistry.

The Knockturnal: Your new album Best Kept Secret is on streaming service platforms. What went into bringing this 10-track release to fruition?

Rellz: The majority of Best Kept Secret was inspired by where I have been personally for the past year and a half. I wanted to hone in on my sound. I wanted to give more authenticity. The album is something that feels like me now. It feels good. I have been releasing music independently since 2017.

Within these past couple of years, I have hit my stride. I am saying things I want to say and curating a new vibe. This project is a reintroduction to fans and a place where they can return and have a home base. This [exemplifies] what my sound can potentially be.

The Knockturnal: What led you to music?

Rellz: Music was something I was having fun with. I started off rapping. I was dancing a lot. I listened to Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, and Usher when I was younger. When I got to high school, I started to find things I could call my own.

I had a friend who knew I was singing in the chorus. He encouraged me to take it a bit more seriously. It ended up becoming an outlet for me. It enabled me to have my own therapy with the process of all that was [happening] around me. Music gave me a voice and purpose.

The Knockturnal: How did NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music program aid you?

Rellz: It aided in a big way. It placed me in the same rooms as some of the best creatives from around the country. Some kids were trying to look at music the same way I was. My peers did not want to make music a hobby! They were trying to figure out how they could sustain themselves off of music.

We know how risky the business is. A program like Clive’s is good for putting you in the same rooms and conversations as like-minded people. From a macro lens, my education helped me better understand who I was as an artist. I knew my brand and who I could potentially compete with. It made me think about music beyond saying, “I like how this sounds.”

The Knockturnal: Describe your time on the “ALREADY” set.

Rellz: The “ALREADY” set was life-changing. It was spiritual because, at the time it happened, I saw it as a sign from God. I needed to keep putting my two feet forward. It was eye-opening because I witnessed Beyoncé’s work ethic and star power. I got a taste of why she is who she is and how Beyoncé obtained the impact that she [has]. I met other young men in the area that I did not meet until leaving NYU.

They are also prominent within the New York space in terms of being creative in the arts, and their energy was high. Before coming, we had no blueprint for what the music video would look like. The information we were given beforehand was unrelated to how the video came out. It was good to be in a situation where you work on the fly.

You had to stay present and maintain a certain level of focus and confidence. I was on the set for 12 hours. I feel like somebody who is not hip to how that day could go or what this industry brings; it could have been a breaking point for a lot of people. Having a large group of guys around me and being on the same page allowed us to encourage each other.

The Knockturnal: For context, can you speak on the breaking point you acknowledged? From your perspective, would you say that adaptation is essential within the music business?

Rellz: Yes, it is like what you are saying, being adaptive. You have to be knowledgeable. In the role I served, I was just a dancer. I could not get hung up on [timing]. I can only speak for myself as an artist and creative, but when you are in a situation like that, someone [else] is the musical priority. They are the prize, especially someone on her level. 

You have to find ways to be confident in what you are doing and read the room. You have to be able to say, “Oh! Okay, they seem to be trying to get this kind of energy. So, maybe I should try to curve my approach here.” On another end, you learn to be more vocal. Because I knew so many people were there, I told myself, “Remember to advocate for yourself.”

The Knockturnal: What would you like new listeners to know about you?

Rellz: I would love new listeners to know I am 100% dedicated to this and life in general. I am figuring it out! I am trying to find the best way to communicate what I have learned to the people around me. 

I want to communicate in a way that is tangible musically and on a human level. I want people to connect. I feel like everything I do is to inspire and motivate. I look outside of myself with this art.

The Knockturnal: How did you become involved with the inaugural Paramount Music Showcase?

Rellz: That was brought by one of my friends. He heard about the showcase. At the time, we had a batch of music that we were getting a great response on. Essentially, this led to my new project. Yes, we were getting good feedback. So, we decided to take a step forward and try to apply for a slot. That has been the story of my life. 

Even with the Beyoncé shoot, that was not something I had planned. It happened by someone messaging me. I did not know too much about it. Again, it is always my inner compass. [The showcase] worked out where we were contacted by Paramount about a month after we had applied. 

Once we were chosen, it was pretty much set. I am truly grateful to the Paramount staff and the MTV staff. Bianca Edwards helped me focus on my live show. I reflected on how my childhood inspirations, Chris Brown, Usher, and Ne-Yo, set me on my path. So, she gave me the idea to do an introductory monologue to convey my journey better.

The Knockturnal: What is en route with Best Kept Secret?

Rellz: I have more videos coming out. I want to do more shows in the next couple of months. Best Kept Secret is just me opening up the world of Rellz. I think it is the start of a fun few years. I am excited.

The project was an introductory step for me. I have more projects coming later this year. I want to get more momentum and keep the ball rolling. I am taking my time to really introduce myself to one fan at a time for what I believe will be a long time here.